Summer is the perfect time to get kids involved in the kitchen and encourage them to explore the world of cooking. At Beyond Speech, we believe that involving children in cooking and food prep is an excellent way to promote healthy eating habits, balanced meals, and the exploration of new flavors and we’ve got ten easy, nutritious and super simple summer recipes that kids can help cook!
The best part? All of these recipes require little to no measuring or big prep work, making them ideal for quick and easy meals you can make with the kids!
When we involve our children in the cooking process, we can inspire their love for food and empower them to make healthy choices!
Summer Recipes For Kids
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Celebrate summer with these colorful and refreshing fruit skewers.
Provide – or help them cut – a variety of sliced fruits such as strawberries, pineapple, grapes, watermelon, and blueberries. Let them assemble the skewers, creating their own unique patterns.
This activity introduces kids to different fruits while promoting their fine motor skills.
Veggie Wraps
This super easy summer recipe is a great way to incorporate veggies AND get kids cooking.Â
Prep – or help them cut – a selection of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cucumber, and lettuce. Have your child choose their favorite fillings and assemble their own veggie wraps using whole-grain tortillas.
This recipe encourages kids to explore vegetables, promotes creativity, and helps develop their hand-eye coordination.
Homemade Pizza
Get your little chefs into the kitchen to make homemade pizzas!
Grab a package of pre-made pizza crusts and let them choose their favorite toppings like tomato sauce, cheese, colorful vegetables, and lean proteins.
Kids can have fun spreading the sauce, sprinkling cheese, and arranging toppings, all while learning about balanced meals, portions and flavor combinations.
Banana Nice Cream
Try this delicious and healthy treat – banana nice cream!
Slice ripe bananas, freeze them, and then blend until smooth and creamy. Add natural flavorings like vanilla extract or cocoa powder for extra taste.
Kids can experiment with their favorite toppings such as berries, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Let your child assemble their own tasty & refreshing Greek yogurt parfaits!
Using Greek yogurt, a variety of fresh berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey, have kids can layer the ingredients in clear glasses or bowls, creating a visually appealing and nutritious treat!
This recipe introduces kids to the importance of protein and healthy fats while incorporating a balance of flavors and textures. It also helps them work on their visual planning skills and organization.
Mini Quiches
Get fancy with veggie and protein mini quiches!
Prepare a simple egg mixture (2-3 eggs and a bit of milk) and let them choose their favorite chopped veggies to add, such as spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Kids can whisk the eggs, chop the veggies (with supervision), and fill mini muffin cups.
Baking their creations teaches them about portion sizes and the importance of protein-rich meals.
BBQ Veggie & Beef Skewers
Help your child wash and cut assorted vegetables into bite-sized pieces and prep chunks of high quality, grass fed beef.
Thread the veggies on skewers, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Preheat the grill and cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and grill marks appear.
Halfway through, have your child brush a BBQ sauce of your choice onto the skewers using a pastry brush. Continue grilling until the veggies are nicely glazed.
Remove from the grill, let them cool slightly, and serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Enjoy the delicious flavors and the fun of cooking together!
Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls are a great way to introduce children to different fruits and nutrients!
Blend frozen fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes with a splash of milk or yogurt until smooth.
Pour the smoothie into bowls, and let your kids decorate with their favorite toppings like sliced fruits, granola, or coconut flakes.
This easy and colorful recipe encourages creativity while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Baked Chicken Tenders
A kid-approved classic that they can make themselves! (Or with a bit of help 🙂
Coat chicken strips in a mixture of whole-wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and an Italian herb mix.
Let your child dip the chicken strips in beaten egg and coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until crispy and golden – 400 degrees for 12-15 mins.
This recipe helps kids manage multiple steps, number awareness and shows how you can make fast-food favorites at home (a bit healthier!).
Veggie Pasta Salad
A great warm weather recipe that’s so simple to prepare.
Cook whole-grain pasta and let it cool.
Prepare a variety of colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives. Let your child mix the cooked pasta with the vegetables, add a light dressing, and toss to combine.
This colorful recipe is full of whole grains and of whole grains and veggies. It also allows kids to learn about kitchen safety while cooking.
The Importance of Involving Kids in The Kitchen
When we get our kids engaged in the kitchen, the benefits go beyond basic cooking skills and time together.
- Helps develop essential life skills
- Fosters positive relationships with food
- Encourages healthy eating habits
- Provides opportunity for independence and confidence building
When kids participate in cooking, they are more likely to try new foods, develop a sense of ownership over their meals, and appreciate the effort that goes into creating nourishing dishes.
Encouraging children to get involved in the kitchen can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family. So, grab those aprons, gather your little chefs, and embark on a culinary adventure that will not only create lasting memories but also foster a love for healthy eating and cooking!
And if you’re looking for nutritional or feeding support, please reach out to us at Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists. We will connect you with one of our Registered Dieticians who can provide education, support and strategies to tackle any of your child’s nutrition or feeding challenges.
Click here to send us a message or call (779) 435-0724.
Happy Cooking!